noun(pluralrabies)Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, madness, from rabere to rave — more at rageDate: circa 1598
an acute virus disease of the nervous system of mammals that is caused by a rhabdovirus (species Rabies virus of the genus Lyssavirus) usually transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal and that is characterized typically by increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and eventual paralysis and death

rabies — ► NOUN ▪ a dangerous disease of dogs and other mammals, caused by a virus transmissible through the saliva to humans and causing madness and convulsions. ORIGIN Latin, from rabere rave … English terms dictionary